Basic Hazards from Laser Equipment
1.Eye -- Damage can occur from both acute and chronic exposure
to laser radiation depending on the
wavelength and exposure levels. Corneal and/or
retinal burns can result from acute overexposure.
Cataracts and/or retinal injury may be possible
from chronic exposure to excessive levels.
Damage to the retina can result from visible
and near-infrared radiation, (400 to 1400 nm). Light
directly from the laser or reflection from
a mirror-like surface entering the eye can be focused to an
extremely small image on the retina due to
the focusing effects of the cornea and lens.
Laser radiation in the middle-ultraviolet,
(200 to 315 nm), and far-infrared, (3 micrometer to 1 mm),
produce damage principally at the cornea.
Radiation in the near-ultraviolet, (320-390
nm), and middle-infrared, (1.4 -3 micrometer), passes
through the cornea with little damage but
effects the lens behind the cornea.
Therefore you can see that the tissues of the
eye are susceptible to various forms of laser radiation and
should be protected by appropriate eye protection
depending on the wavelength of the laser
emission.
2.Skin -- Burns can result from acute exposures to high
levels of optical radiation. Some specific
ultraviolet wavelengths can cause carcinogenesis
of the skin.
Erythema, (sunburn), skin cancer and acceleration
skin aging are possible from exposure of laser
radiation in the range of 0.2 to 0.28 micrometer.
Chronic exposure of 0.28 to 0.4 micrometer
wavelength radiation can cause increase pigmentation.
Photosensitive reactions are possible from
wavelengths from 0.31 to 4 micrometer. And
skin burns and excessive dry skin effects are possible
from radiation in the range of 0.7 to 1 micrometer.
Even though skin effects have been considered
of secondary importance from a safety standpoint,
cases of skin damage has been increasing due
to the increase use of lasers emitting ultraviolet light
and high-power lasers.
3.Chemical Hazards -- Reactions induced by lasers can release
hazardous particulate and gaseous
products. An example of this occurs in material
processing such as laser welding, cutting, and drilling
which can create potentially hazardous fumes
and vapors. General ventilation safety procedures
should be used when lasers are used in this
manner.
4.Electrical Hazards -- Lethal electrical hazards are
particularly present when high-power laser systems
are used. When using any high-voltage power
supply, whether lasers or another systems, always
practice commonly accepted safety procedures.
5.Other Secondary Hazards -- High-power lasers and lasers
with continuous-wave output with power
well above one-half watt have the potential
to cause fire hazards. Another hazard associated with
these types of lasers is working with cryogenic
coolants such as liquid nitrogen. Skin contact can
cause burns, improper plumbing can cause explosion,
and insufficient ventilation can result in
displacement of oxygen by the liquified gas
vaporizing.
Americal National Standards Institute Laser Classification
Class
Properties
1
Exempt lasers or laser
systems that cannot, under normal operation conditions, produce a
hazard.
2
Low power visible
lasers or laser systems which, because of normal human aversion responses,
do not normally present
a hazard, but may present some potential for hazard if viewed directly
for extended periods
of time.
3a
Lasers or laser systems
that normally would not produce a hazard if viewed for only momentary
periods with the unaided
eye. They may present a hazard if viewed using collecting optics.
3b
Lasers or laser systems
that can produce a hazard if viewed directly. This includes intrabeam
viewing or specular
reflections. Except for the high power class 3b lasers, this class laser
will not
produce a hazardous
diffuse reflection.
4
Lasers or laser systems
that can produce a hazard not only from direct or specular reflection,
but
also from diffuse
reflection. In addition, such lasers may produce fire hazards and skin
hazards.
Since 1976 Federal law requires the manufacturer of lasers to provide
the classification for all lasers
produced. If the laser is changed by the user, the classification must
be determined and made known to all
users.
Laser Safety Rules
Class 1 Lasers
1.A warning sign indicating the laser classification should be placed in a visible location on the laser.
Class 2 Lasers
1.Do not stare at the laser or permit any person to stare
at the laser beam.
2.Do not point the laser at a person's eye.
Class 3 Lasers
1.Never aim a laser beam at a person's eye.
2.Use proper safety eyewear if there is a chance that
the beam or hazardous specular reflection will
expose the eyes.
3.Only experienced personnel should be permitted to operate
the laser. Never leave an operable laser
unattended if there is a chance that an unauthorized
person may attempt to use it. A key switch
should be used. A warning light or buzzer
should indicate when the laser is operating.
4.Enclose as much of the beam path as possible.
5.Avoid placing the unprotected eye along or near the
beam axis as attempted in some alignment
procedures since the chance of hazardous specular
reflection is greatest in this area.
6.Terminate the primary and secondary beams if possible
at the end of their useful paths.
7.Use beam shutters and output filters to reduce the beam
power to less hazardous levels when the full
output power is not required.
8.Make sure that any spectators are not potentially exposed
to a hazardous condition.
9.Attempt to keep laser beam paths above or below either
sitting or standing position eye level.
10.Operate the laser only in a well-controlled area. That is,
in a closed room with no windows and
controlled access.
11.Label lasers with appropriate Class III danger statements
and placard hazardous areas with danger
signs.
12.Mount the laser on a firm support to assure that the beam
travels along the intended path.
13.Assure that individuals do not look directly into a laser
beam with optical instruments unless a
adequate protective filter is present.
14.Eliminate unnecessary specular (mirror-like) surfaces from
the vicinity of the laser beam path.
Class 4 Lasers
1.Enclose the entire laser beam path if at all possible.
If this is done, the laser device could be
considered to be a less hazardous classification.
2.Confine indoor laser operation to a light-tight room
with interlocked entrances to assure that the laser
cannot emit when a door is open.
3.Insure that all personnel wear adequate eye protection,
and if the laser beam irradiance represents a
serious skin or fire hazard that a suitable
shield is present between the laser beam and the any
persons in the room.
4.Use remote firing and video monitoring or remote viewing
through a laser safety shield where
feasible.
5.Use beam traverse and elevation stops on outdoor laser
devices to assure that the beam cannot
intercept occupied areas or intercept aircraft.
6.Use beam shutters and laser output filters to reduce
the laser beam irradiance to less hazardous levels
whenever the full beam power is not required.
7.Assure that the laser device has a key-switch master
interlock to permit only authorized personnel to
operate the laser.
8.Install appropriate signs and labels on entrances, switches
and anywhere an unauthorized person
might mistakenly activate the laser.
9.Remember that optical pump systems may be hazardous
to view and that once optical pumping
systems for pulsed lasers are charged, they
can spontaneously discharged, causing the laser to fire
unexpectedly.
10.Use dark, absorbing diffuse, fire-resistant targets and backstops
where feasible.